Foster caregiver legislation announced

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Susan Manchester (R-Lakeview) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) recently introduced House Bill 8, Foster Caregiver Training legislation. This legislation will revise the requirements for foster caregiver training in Ohio so that these potential foster parents can be trained, licensed and approved in a more effective manner.

“The effects of the opioid epidemic can be seen throughout the state of Ohio. However, a lesser known impact is that the number of children in foster care has skyrocketed 25 percent over the past few years. There are more than 15,000 boys and girls currently in our foster care system,” Rep. Manchester said. “I am proud to introduce House Bill 8 with Representative Galonski to help address the shortage of foster caregivers in Ohio, as well as give ODJFS the ability to adapt to the needs of our children in times of crisis.”

“It is long overdue that we prioritize children in Ohio,” Rep. Galonski said. “This bill will ensure many needed changes to allow our foster care parents simply to care for our children without unnecessary government interference.”

HB 8 will now be assigned to a committee and will await its first hearing.